HiPP for Health Care Professionals

Less is more: now with reduced protein content

New studies suggest that high protein intake in infants increases the risk of obesity later in life (1, 2). Experts are calling for promoting breastfeeding and reducing the protein content of infant formulae. HiPP has implemented these updated recommendations and now offers the protein-reduced infant formula HiPP Pre Organic COMBIOTIC®. The new HiPP Pre Organic COMBIOTIC® follows expert recommendations and contains an appropriately low amount of protein with improved protein quality (1.89 g/100 kcal). The protein content is 1.89 g per 100 kcal.

BeMIM study proves safety of the new HiPP Pre Organic COMBIOTIC®

As required by law, the suitability and safety of the new formula have been proven in a clinical trial (BeMIM study = Belgrade Munich Infant Milk Trial) (3). In this prospective, randomised, double-blind study, under the scientific direction of Prof. B. Koletzko, Munich, 213 healthy infants received either a protein-reduced (1.89 g protein per 100 kcal) and alpha-lactalbumin-enriched infant formula or a standard formula with 2.2 g of protein per 100 kcal.The primary target parameter - weight gain per day - was not significantly different in either formula group between the first month and the 120th day of the study period. The children from the low-protein group thrived as well as the children with a standard formula with higher protein content.

The protein intake through breast milk was calculated according to the drinking amounts of both the intervention and the control group during the respective examination appointments; protein content of breast milk 1.2 g/100 ml corresponding to 1.7 g/100 kcal (4).
Differences between protein-reduced and control formula are significant: ** P< 0.01; *** P< 0.001.

In the opinion of the authors, the addition of alpha-lactalbumin could have yet another benefit, as the number of adverse events (infections, eczema, etc.) was lower in the low-protein group, and the formula showed improved energetic efficiency (growth in relation to energy intake). Although the children in the low-protein group drank less formula in the second half of the observation period, they grew just as well in comparison with the standard group with more protein.

The results of the BeMIM study show that the new protein-reduced formula iswell-tolerated and well satiating.